A priority for USC, Brunson keeping an open mind

SPARTANBURG South Carolina has made T.J. Brunson a priority and that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Richland Northeast senior.

New Gamecocks coach Will Muschamp and assistant coach Shawn Elliott’s first stop on the recruiting trail after Muschamp’s introductory press conference was to see Brunson last week and extend an offer to him.

“It was a big deal for him to come by after his press conference,” Brunson said after practice for the 79^th annual Shrine Bowl. “It makes a difference like I’m a priority I guess. It definitely makes a difference their chances to get me.”

If Brunson picks the Gamecocks, he will be the second in-state to commit since Muschamp took over. Conway receiver Bryan Edwards made his verbal pledge Tuesday after initially decommitting after Steve Spurrier resigned.

Brunson said he remains committed to Louisville but their extra attention from USC has changed things just a bit. He took an unofficial visit to the Gamecocks on Friday and will take his official on Jan. 15.

The linebacker already has taken his official visit to Louisville and Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Grantham also visited him last week. Purdue also has offered Brunson but he isn’t sure if he will visit there.

“It has gotten real busy. There has been a lot going on and a lot to think about,” Brunson said. “I think I have been handling it pretty well. After the Shrine Bowl, I will sit down and think about recruiting.”

Brunson is hoping for a strong performance in the Shrine Bowl to cap off his strong career. He is the first RNE player to play in the Shrine Bowl since C.J. Wilson in 2009.

RNE coach Jay Frye said he knew he had a special player in Brunson when he was watching him during a practice before his sophomore season.

“He was running around making plays and we knew he was ready to play then,” Frye said. “He has made big plays for us all over the place. I am thankful he got to finish his career on a high note.”

This season, Brunson had a team-leading 138 tackles in helping RNE to its first playoff appearance since 2011 and first playoff victory since moving down to Class 3A. He also was the team’s punter and averaged nearly 40 yards a kick.

“I know I have grown into a leader and happy to be part of team that helped bring Richland Northeast back to what they used to be,” Brunson said. “And I can only see it going up for them.”

This story was originally published December 15, 2015 at 3:38 PM.